How Long Can a Vehicle Be Impounded for Driving Without a License?
3 Answers
The impounded motor vehicle, if the driver, owner, or manager fails to provide the legal proof of the impounded vehicle within 30 days, fails to complete the necessary procedures, or does not come forward to handle the matter, and still does not come forward to handle the matter after being notified by the traffic management department of the public security authority and after a 3-month public announcement, the traffic management department of the public security authority will send the motor vehicle to a qualified auction agency for auction, and the proceeds will be turned over to the state treasury. More details are as follows: 1. Time Limit for Handling: After a motor vehicle is temporarily impounded, the driver, owner, and manager of the motor vehicle should bring all the legal documents of the temporarily impounded vehicle to the traffic management department to apply for retrieval within 30 days. 2. Legal Basis: According to Article 107 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, for motor vehicles impounded in accordance with Articles 92, 95, 96, and 98 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, if the driver, owner, or manager fails to provide the legal proof of the impounded vehicle within 30 days, fails to complete the necessary procedures, or does not come forward to handle the matter, and still does not come forward to handle the matter after being notified by the traffic management department of the public security authority and after a 3-month public announcement, the traffic management department of the public security authority will send the motor vehicle to a qualified auction agency for auction, and the proceeds will be turned over to the state treasury; illegally assembled motor vehicles will be dismantled; motor vehicles that meet the scrapping standards will be scrapped; motor vehicles involved in other illegal and criminal activities will be transferred to the relevant departments for handling.
As a professional frequently dealing with traffic issues, I understand that driving without a license is a highly dangerous and illegal act. The duration of vehicle impoundment primarily depends on the processing progress, and it may be held until the investigation is completed or fines are paid. Typically, impoundment lasts around 15 days, but if there are disputes or further inspections required, it could extend to a month or even longer. The key is for the vehicle owner to promptly cooperate with law enforcement, such as submitting relevant documents or attending safety courses, to avoid prolonged impoundment. Remember, vehicle impoundment is not only for punishment but also to prevent accidents and protect public safety. Before driving at any time, always ensure you have a valid driver's license—don't risk greater trouble for temporary convenience. In case of similar situations, it's advisable to contact the traffic management department as soon as possible to handle the matter early and retrieve the vehicle, thereby reducing additional costs like storage fees.
I once witnessed a friend who had his car impounded for nearly a month due to unlicensed driving. He was extremely anxious during that period, running to the police station every day to deal with it. How long can a car be impounded at most? There is no exact maximum limit; it mainly depends on how law enforcement handles the case. For example, if you refuse to admit fault or delay paying fines, the car might stay there until the case is completely resolved—sometimes it takes just a few weeks, but in severe cases, it could drag on for one or two months. The key is to actively cooperate, undergo education, and complete the fine procedures. During impoundment, the vehicle is also prone to damage or accumulating fees. Don’t follow this example—just get your driver’s license first and drive legally, which is both worry-free and safe. Also, if the vehicle is involved in other issues, the impoundment period could be even longer. Facing the problem early is the best approach.
